District Judge grants Pretrial Detention Motion filed by District Attorney for Man involved in Police Pursuit and Collision on Quesnel Street in Taos

Taos, NM — On Monday, May 4th, District Judge Jeffery Shannon granted a motion for pretrial detention filed by the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, ordering that Andrew M. Duran be held pending trial following his arrest after a police pursuit and collision with a Taos Police vehicle on Quesnel Street on April 21.

Duran is charged with Aggravated DWI (Fourth Offense), Aggravated Fleeing of a Law Enforcement Officer Resulting in Injury, Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer with Intent to Commit a Felony, Aggravated Battery Against a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Damage to Property over $1,000, and Driving on a License Revoked for DWI.

In granting the motion, Judge Shannon cited the serious nature of the offenses, the strength of the evidence, and Duran’s extensive criminal history. In his written order, Judge Shannon encouraged defense counsel to obtain a substance abuse assessment for Duran and indicated that pretrial detention could be reconsidered if a verified treatment plan adequately addressing his needs and public safety concerns were presented.

“I commend the Taos Police Department for their efforts to intercept Duran’s vehicle and prevent a potentially dangerous situation on a busy pedestrian street,” said District Attorney Marcus J. Montoya. “This incident placed both the public and responding officers at significant risk. When someone repeatedly drives impaired, disregards court-ordered conditions and escalates their behavior by fleeing law enforcement and colliding with a police vehicle, swift action is necessary. Our office sought pretrial detention to protect the community and ensure accountability as this case proceeds.”

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